Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=skinsfaninok;1143444]debth wise I'd say its the best redskins team we've had in years, maybe 20 years[/quote]

As long as we can remain healthy and guys can return from injury, we are actually log jammed at ILB, WR and have now actually 5 TEs who are roster worthy.

I wonder if there is an option to move a guy for a pick or potential need position like RB or DL in the preseason? I wouldn't think its out of the question.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[url=http://www.spotrac.com/research/nfl/notable-nfl-players-on-the-offseason-roster-bubble-570/]Notable NFL Players on the Offseason Roster Bubble | Spotrac Research[/url]

Great article here on possible pending free agents as cuts. And you know who I would get a boner for if he decided to play one more year...

Marshawn Lynch SEA $11,500,000 Traded/Cut Pre 6/1: $5M in 2016 dead cap ($6.5M savings)
Traded/Cut Post 6/1: $2.5M in 2016 dead cap ($9M savings), $2.5M in 2017 dead cap Lynch [B]still hasn't officially signed his retirement papers, but the Seahawks are reportedly ready to place him on the reserve/retired list in the next few weeks[/B]. They'll clear $6.5M in cap by doing so.


Folks, I like P Thomas but there could be better options...Kniles Davis or Sproles? Im def interested more in them over Pierre.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

dont forget about martrell spaight!

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=Chico23231;1143451]Folks, I like P Thomas but there could be better options...Kniles Davis or Sproles? Im def interested more in them over Pierre.[/quote]

Darren Sproles could help us as a 3rd down back and punt returner. A one or two year contract would be fine. We really need to find a decent PR as this is an area where we suck.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=KI Skins Fan;1143453]Darren Sproles could help us as a 3rd down back and punt returner. A one or two year contract would be fine. We really need to find a decent PR as this is an area where we suck.[/quote]

well crowder was supposed to do it, marshall can try it... his vision isn't ideal though.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=DYoungJelly;1143441]Early in the season, if you look at the play calling when the game was within 10 points with reasonable time left, I don't believe the stats will support your theory.[/quote]Which theory? That Jay is pass focused? I don't think that theory is bold or ground breaking in any way.

[quote]...I think toward the end of the year when the passing game was the only thing clicking, it seemed like the team was too committed to calling run plays on 1st down.[/quote]Being predictably (and imo wrongly) run heavy on 1st down doesn't equate to not being pass focused when the remaining downs are passes. Its just bad playcalling.

I know you like to disagree with me just to disagree but do you really think Jay isn't pass focused?

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

Skins were 19th in [URL="https://www.teamrankings.com/nfl/stat/passing-play-pct"]pass plays called percentage wise[/URL] last year at 58.65%

Skins were 20th in [URL="https://www.teamrankings.com/nfl/stat/pass-attempts-per-game"]pass attempts[/URL] last year at 35.4 per game

Skins were 6th in [URL="https://www.teamrankings.com/nfl/stat/passing-first-down-pct"]1st down pass attempts[/URL] last year at 65.8%

so no, I don't think he was pass focused, but I do think stats show he's willing to use passing on first down in lieu of the run. Maybe that's what you are calling pass focused?

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=SCRedskinsFan;1143425]....I'm also thinking (hoping) that the cap room we just created might help us acquire a quality veteran running back. We'll see...[/quote]Would love to add another back to the roster (at a practical cost/skill level).

[quote]If I remember correctly, our running game was outstanding early last season until injuries decimated the offensive line. So I'm not sure that it is impossible to have a good/great running game under Jay, but the line has to be there...

And we have the right offensive line coach to make all that happen.[/quote]I remember it differently, but it doesn't matter. I don't want to have a knock down drag out over this....... So how about this ........[B][I][U]IF[/U][/I][/B] Jay's forte is the passing game then there are limits to how good the running can get with him at the helm of the offense. I don't think the problem with the run game was personnel. Let's say you could give all Jones carries to Morris, I think the run game improves. But, an illustration of my point here is the difference between the run games with Jay vs Hue in Cinci.


Anyhow, to avoid making yet another post, lol.

I think the area we improved the most is on defense. But there were some key additions on offense with Vernon Davis and Josh Doctsun. Doc was my #1 WR and a player I had my eye on during this draft process. With a receiving corps of Jackson, Reed, Garcon, Doctsun, Vernon Davis, Crowder and Niles Paul and Chris Thompson I think the offense should be pass focused.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

for comparison the ranges for each category above were: pass plays called percentage wise H 65.63% L 49.90%

pass attempts last year H42.2 / game L 28.1 / game

1st down pass attempts last year H: 70% L:50%

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

so essentially its smart to call plays that have a better chance of working?

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=CRedskinsRule;1143465]Skins were 19th in [URL="https://www.teamrankings.com/nfl/stat/passing-play-pct"]pass plays called percentage wise[/URL] last year at 58.65%

Skins were 20th in [URL="https://www.teamrankings.com/nfl/stat/pass-attempts-per-game"]pass attempts[/URL] last year at 35.4 per game

Skins were 6th in [URL="https://www.teamrankings.com/nfl/stat/passing-first-down-pct"]1st down pass attempts[/URL] last year at 65.8%

so no, I don't think he was pass focused, but I do think stats show he's willing to use passing on first down in lieu of the run. Maybe that's what you are calling pass focused?[/quote]I wasn't even speaking from a stats stand point, if I was I would be looking at 1st down pass/run ratio and 3rd and short pass/run ratio....But, I digress. I was speaking from a philosophical stand point, how the HC views offense as a whole. Mike Shanahan is a run focused HC for example. Jason Garrett prior to a recent organizational paradigm shift was pass focused.

Damn, I posted again. Anyhow I had no idea people consider Jay a run focused HC. Who knew?

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=Evilgrin;1143468]so essentially its smart to call plays that have a better chance of working?[/quote]

I would add, it's also smart to call plays that score points. Because whoever scores the most points, wins the game. Who woulda thunk?

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

when I look at the roster now, compared to last year.....I'm disappointed that the FO didn't try to improve the two weakest links from last year.

I really fail to see how we'll be better running the ball or stopping the run.

Maybe training camp will change my opinion, but with a tougher schedule, I'm not sure we did enough to win more games.

I love the Josh Norman pick up, but I think we took a step back at RB and essentially stayed the same at DT, C & ILB.

I expect we'll be a little better at OLB (more sacks/hurries) which should also help the back 4.

Bjut, unless Paea comes back "stud" strong and Lauvao & Licht/Long turn it up a notch, I still have major questions.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=Chico23231;1143470]I would add, it's also smart to call plays that score points. Because whoever scores the most points, wins the game. Who woulda thunk?[/quote]

Also having a defense that can stop the other team from scoring helps.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=30gut;1143464]I know you like to disagree with me just to disagree but do you really think Jay isn't pass focused?[/quote]

No.

Please see post #47.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=Bangee7;1143473]when I look at the roster now, compared to last year.....I'm disappointed that the FO didn't try to improve the two weakest links from last year.

I really fail to see how we'll be better running the ball or stopping the run.

Maybe training camp will change my opinion, but with a tougher schedule, I'm not sure we did enough to win more games.

I love the Josh Norman pick up, but I think we took a step back at RB and essentially stayed the same at DT, C & ILB.

I expect we'll be a little better at OLB (more sacks/hurries) which should also help the back 4.

Bjut, unless Paea comes back "stud" strong and Lauvao & Licht/Long turn it up a notch, I still have major questions.[/quote]

We surely didn't get the boost we were hoping for in the trenches. The BPA philosophy showed itself in the first three rounds and that led to picking players at other positions. From Rounds 5 through 7, it seemed to me that Scot shifted more toward drafting for need, so we'll have to see how the DL and ILB we picked later work out. Rome wasn't built in a day.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

I think they addressed the areas that were in my estimation the root causes for the run deficiencies. For me the main loss for run D is from Knighton and he missed a lot of time with injury.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=30gut;1143518]I think they addressed the areas that were in my estimation the root causes for the run deficiencies. For me the main loss for run D is from Knighton and he missed a lot of time with injury.[/quote]

Last year at this time, many of us were worried about our O-line, we still had Griffin at QB, Morris as [URL="http://espn.go.com/blog/washington-redskins/post/_/id/17395/redskins-post-draft-evaluation-running-back"]unquestioned RB[/URL], had Jeron Johnson or Duke Ihenacho penciled in at safety, Kai Forbath at kicker, Scherff at RT, no Junior Galette...

Point is -- things change a lot by September, we're not done yet & wouldn't get too concerned until we see what the end result is. Btw, Knighton was good, but not that mobile. Not a big loss.

Rush D is certainly a priority -- among the top 5 rush defenses last year? Denver, Carolina, Seattle, Steelers, Jets, with the Patriots and Arizona not far behind.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

In regards to the thread title.
I dont know right now.
Ask me right before Christmas.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=ethat001;1143529]Last year at this time, many of us were worried about our O-line, we still had Griffin at QB, Morris as [URL="http://espn.go.com/blog/washington-redskins/post/_/id/17395/redskins-post-draft-evaluation-running-back"]unquestioned RB[/URL], had Jeron Johnson or Duke Ihenacho penciled in at safety, Kai Forbath at kicker, Scherff at RT, no Junior Galette...

Point is -- things change a lot by September, we're not done yet & wouldn't get too concerned until we see what the end result is. Btw, Knighton was good, but not that mobile. Not a big loss.

Rush D is certainly a priority -- among the top 5 rush defenses last year? Denver, Carolina, Seattle, Steelers, Jets, with the Patriots and Arizona not far behind.[/quote]

great point...I think the battle at ILB this camp could be a great one. My thought is who ever can play the run the best will start at both positions. I know folks probably penciled in Riley and Compton as the starters...but Foster, Spaight and Daniels could provide the our best options at stopping the run.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=Alvin Walton;1143530]In regards to the thread title.
I dont know right now.
Ask me right before Christmas.[/quote]

Sure. I get that. We don't yet know. I sure am optimistic, though.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=KI Skins Fan;1143535]Sure. I get that. We don't yet know. I sure am optimistic, though.[/quote]

Yea, its sure beats freaking out about what a shitty draft we had.
I'm optimistic too, but most of these guys have4nt played a down for us yet.
Having said that I still expect us to win the division again.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=ethat001;1143529]Last year at this time, many of us were worried about our O-line, we still had Griffin at QB, Morris as [URL="http://espn.go.com/blog/washington-redskins/post/_/id/17395/redskins-post-draft-evaluation-running-back"]unquestioned RB[/URL], had Jeron Johnson or Duke Ihenacho penciled in at safety, Kai Forbath at kicker, Scherff at RT, no Junior Galette...

Point is -- things change a lot by September, we're not done yet & wouldn't get too concerned until we see what the end result is. Btw, Knighton was good, but not that mobile. Not a big loss.

Rush D is certainly a priority -- among the top 5 rush defenses last year? Denver, Carolina, Seattle, Steelers, Jets, with the Patriots and Arizona not far behind.[/quote]

another way to help the run D look a lot better . . . score a bunch of points and get a good size lead . . . make the opponent one dimensional

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=Bangee7;1143473]when I look at the roster now, compared to last year.....I'm disappointed that the FO didn't try to improve the two weakest links from last year.

I really fail to see how we'll be better running the ball or stopping the run.[/quote]I don't anticipate we'll be much better running the ball either. But, I don't think that will be an issue. I think the the perception will be an improved run game because 1 back, Matt Jones will get the bulk of the carries and that imo was one of the issues last year. I'm not concerned though, I think our pass game took another step forward. And I view (might be alone with this lol) Jay's focus for the offense is and will be passing oriented anyway.

Run defense:

I was saying earlier that I think the run defense has improved. I never thought the DL was the weak spot in terms of run defense. Its not what I saw with my eyes and its not what the stats suggest. And the only loss in terms of run defense along the DL was Knighton. And its questionable how much we lost based on the number of healthy snaps he actually played.

My view of the weakspots in run defense were both Safety spots and all ILBs not named Mason Foster. The bulk of the S snaps were taken by Goldson who was not good against the run. Maybe surprising or not but the best run support S last year was.................drum roll..........DeAngelo Hall. Yup.
So moving Hall to FS is a huge improvement from Dashon. Then we have the addition of David Bruton, a stud in the run game and Su'a another stud in the run game. A starting Safety tandem of Hall/Bruton/S'ua is a HUGE upgrade in run support from last year.

The other weakspot in my view from watching and from the available stats was the ILB group. It wasn't until Mason Foster entered the line-up did that an ILB graded out positively against the run. Perry Riley historically has been a solid run defender but through scheme change and injury his play dipped drastically in this area. I think there will be real competition from rookie Stephen Daniels. Daniels is a tackling machine.

TLDR: I think they addressed/improved the run D through moving D.Hall to FS and at SS w/ David Bruton/rookie Su'a Craven AND at ILB Mason Foster + healthy Riley/or rookie Stephen Daniels



[quote]Maybe training camp will change my opinion, but with a tougher schedule, I'm not sure we did enough to win more games.[/quote]I'm not one for W/L predictions. And naturally we'll know more as the offseason progresses. But, I think we did address the areas that were weak spots with the run game and expect a noticeable improvement that will be reflected both on the field and statistically.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=30gut;1143573]I don't anticipate we'll be much better running the ball either. But, I don't think that will be an issue. I think the the perception will be an improved run game because 1 back, Matt Jones will get the bulk of the carries and that imo was one of the issues last year. I'm not concerned though, I think our pass game took another step forward. And I view (might be alone with this lol) Jay's focus for the offense is and will be passing oriented anyway. [/quote]

If we have 1 TE who can can catch passes and block then it will be a huge upgrade to the run game.

Last year we were relying on Reed and Tom Compton who were good at both aspects of the position. Carrier caught a few passes in spots but was lacking in the run game big time.

This will be the 2nd year of a new scheme with Callahan that relies on TE blocking and we will now have a TE or two who can block.

Why don't you think there will be actual rather than perceived improvement?

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=DYoungJelly;1143574]...Why don't you think there will be actual rather than perceived improvement?[/quote]I'm sure there will be some improvement.

Stated my view on this several times already. But oh well....I think the run game takes a back seat to the passing game for Jay. And there is nothing wrong with that. An OC should run their offense the way they see fit.

I think Jays run game (barring landing a stud RB) will always play second fiddle to the pass game. From a gameplan perspective, from a planning perspective, from a HC interest/emphasis, practice time etc.

I think examples of this are in the difference in the run game from the Shanahans to Jay and the difference in Cincinnati from Jay to Hue. Here with a better OL and better skill position players the run game was less productive. In Cincinnati Jay had one of the best OL in the league but the run game took off under Hue.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

From and Xs and Os stand point, how would you improve the run game next year?

After all, the HC's attitude towards the run game (which isn't reflected in the play calling stats: post #47) doesn't miss blocks or inside cuts.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=DYoungJelly;1143585]From and Xs and Os stand point, how would you improve the run game next year?

After all, the HC's attitude towards the run game (which isn't reflected in the play calling stats: post #47) doesn't miss blocks or inside cuts.[/quote]Lol, right. Run focused Jay, you're funny.

You know what I dont get? Why ask me questions when its obvious that you dont give 2 hoots about my response? And really have no interest in any real dialogue?

But since were old friends ill give you a broad strokess answer on how the run game could have been better last year.

1) Commit to the run.
2) Choose a RB and design a scheme based on their strengths and give them the bulk of the carries
3) Change how you block the POA on your base run game if the key personnel can't get it done
4) Be more diverse in types of runs
5) Expand and focus on nickel package run game

No comment about the rest of post huh? Figures.

What should we expect in the run game from the lol, run focused Jay Gruden?

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

jay isn't run focused, but his play calling was pretty balanced, even when we were only getting 2 ypc, he still called a bunch of runs.

i'm not sure where the problem is there (yes i do, outside blocking and hesitation), but here's hoping they figure it out.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=30gut;1143586]1) Commit to the run.
2) Choose a RB and design a scheme based on their strengths and give them the bulk of the carries
3) Change how you block the POA on your base run game if the key personnel can't get it done
4) Be more diverse in types of runs
5) Expand and focus on nickel package run game[/quote]

Did you copy and paste this from a write up of one of Phil Simms' pre-game segments?

If only Gruden, McVay, and Callahan would have done 1 through 5.

Gruden is a balanced offensive coach.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=DYoungJelly;1143656]Did you copy and paste this from a write up of one of Phil Simms' pre-game segments?[/quote]Nah, me, Mike S and Bobby Turner had a cram session on how to improve our game.

[quote]If only Gruden, McVay, and Callahan would have done 1 through 5.[/quote]I know right? You're starting to come around I see. But, don't fret.

[quote]Gruden is a balanced offensive coach.[/quote]Nah, not really.

And even less so when talking about his philosophy and forte on offense.
Hey man its cool.

The TEs ability to block the edge shouldn't be an issue this year; what should we expect from the run game?

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

I just look at some the players that can be considered cornerstones for the next stage of the Redskins.

On offense you got:

Jordan Reed
Jamison Crowder
Josh Doctson
Trent Williams
Brandon Scherff

Defense:
Chris Baker
Ryan Kerrigan
Junior Galette
Josh Norman
Bashaud Breeland
Su'a Cravens
Kendall Fuller

and a few wild cards in:
Matt Jones
Keith Marshall
Will Compton
Kyoshen Jarrett (I hope he comes back healthy)
Morgan Moses

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=30gut;1143657]Nah, me, Mike S and Bobby Turner had a cram session on how to improve our game.

I know right? You're starting to come around I see. But, don't fret.

Nah, not really.

And even less so when talking about his philosophy and forte on offense.
Hey man its cool.

The TEs ability to block the edge shouldn't be an issue this year; what should we expect from the run game?[/quote]

We may not have run well but we had the 11th highest run-to-pass ratio last year.

[url=http://www.sportingcharts.com/nfl/stats/team-rushing-play-percentage/2015/]Team Rushing Play Percentage: 2015 NFL Season[/url]

Despite being in the top half of the league in actual rushing attempts (also 11th), our yards per attempt was ranked 29th (3.7 yds/att).

We ran. Not well, but we ran the ball - more so than 21 other teams.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[QUOTE=JoeRedskin;1143659]We may not have run well but we had the 11th highest run-to-pass ratio last year.

[url=http://www.sportingcharts.com/nfl/stats/team-rushing-play-percentage/2015/]Team Rushing Play Percentage: 2015 NFL Season[/url]

Despite being in the top half of the league in actual rushing attempts (also 11th), our yards per attempt was ranked 29th (3.7 yds/att).

We ran. Not well, but we ran the ball - more so than 21 other teams.[/QUOTE]
We didn't run well because our offensive players were shocked that our pass focused HC kept calling running plays. I imagine the huddle conversation went something like this:

KC: halfback rush to left on 3
AM; who do I block?
KC: No you are taking the handoff.
AM: huh
PG: 8yd hitch I will be open
KC: Guys its a RUN
AM and PG: HUH?
KC: coach called a run on 3
AM PG: OHH. WOW
KC: OK. on 3

JReed: so who do I hold?

All: break!

Sent from my S6 Edge

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=CRedskinsRule;1143660]We didn't run well because our offensive players were shocked that our pass focused HC kept calling running plays. I imagine the huddle conversation went something like this:

KC: halfback rush to left on 3
AM; who do I block?
KC: No you are taking the handoff.
AM: huh
PG: 8yd hitch I will be open
KC: Guys its a RUN
AM and PG: HUH?
KC: coach called a run on 3
AM PG: OHH. WOW
KC: OK. on 3

JReed: so who do I hold?

All: break![/quote]

Next play:

KC: Okay, that last run didn't work so well, but coach is sticking with it. Jordan, great no-hold but you actually have to block someone [I]and[/I] not hold them.
JReed: Damnnnnn. How about I just catch this pass instead?
KC: No, no ... coach is calling another run.
M.Jones: So after I fumble it, you're going to pick it up and throw it deep. Sweet!
KC: NO ... it's a sweep right with the left guard pulling. Who's playing left guard this week?
T.Williams: The crash test dummy propped up against the traffic cone playing center.
KC: Okay. Matt ... just follow Crash Test until he seals the edge.
MJones: Great. I can catch up on some Game of Thrones while I wait for the hole to open.
KC: No no no ... as soon as Crash Test seals the edge, you have to hit the hole hard.
MJones: ohhhhhh ... so, after I make my cut, that's when you are going to make the pass?
DJax: Cool. I am always open deep.

All: Break!

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

:lol:

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

..."Jreed: so who do I hold?".....

that's an instant classic....well done, sir!

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[url=http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-top100-2016/0ap3000000662018/Top-100-Players-of-2016-No-85-Kirk-Cousins]'Top 100 Players of 2016': No. 85 Kirk Cousins - NFL Videos[/url]

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=skinsfaninok;1143684][url=http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-top100-2016/0ap3000000662018/Top-100-Players-of-2016-No-85-Kirk-Cousins]'Top 100 Players of 2016': No. 85 Kirk Cousins - NFL Videos[/url][/quote]

Cool clip

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

Nice to see KC acknowledged